Media InvitationCity Market awards Co-op Patronage Seedling Grants to 8 Local Non-ProfitsBurlington, VT – City Market is excited to invite members of the media to visit the Co-op on Monday, March 13 at 9:00 am to congratulate our 2016 Co-op Patronage Seedling Grant recipients and launch our 2017 Grant process. Over $656,000 in Patronage Refunds were sent to City Market Members in November 2016. As part of the Patronage Refund, the Co-op offers Members the opportunity to donate to strengthen Vermont’s food system. Members who receive Patronage Refunds support these donations by choosing not to cash their checks within the required 90 day time period. City Market then donates the total of the uncashed checks to organizations working with the local food system.

University of Vermont: Plugging a “Leek” in the Local Food System, Initial Grant Award: $2,777 (actual check: $3,873.97).Vermont Community Garden Network: Gardens for Learning, Initial Grant Award: $8,200 (actual check: $11,448.11)Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger and Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbitts are confirmed guests and will say a few words. Representatives from these organizations will be available to share more details about each of their projects. City Market will also provide information to kick off the 2017 Co-op Patronage Seedling Grants application process. John Tashiro, City Market’s General Manager, shared his excitement for this program now in its third year. “It’s very exciting to see the wide array of so many non-profit organizations throughout Vermont that are looking to grow and improve the local food system in such diverse ways. A s a Co-op, we are very proud that our Members have been so generous in donating to these 8 local food system projects. By giving back to these local organizations, it strengthens Vermont’s food system and encourages innovation and change across the state.”Join us!Monday, March 13 9:00am City Market’s Conference RoomCatered Snacks Provided

About City Market, Onion River Co-opThe Onion River Co-op is a consumer cooperative, with over 12,000 Members, selling wholesome food and other products while building a vibrant, empowered community and a healthier world, all in a sustainable manner. Located in downtown Burlington, Vermont, City Market provides a large selection of local, organic and conventional foods and thousands of Vermont-made products. Visit City Market, Onion River Co-op online at www.CityMarket.coop or call 802-861-9700.